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The Natural Beauty of the Dominican Republic / Self-Drive Tour
Parque Nacional Los Haitises
The Natural Beauty of the Dominican Republic / Self-Drive Tour - Map
The Natural Beauty of the Dominican Republic / Self-Drive TourThe Natural Beauty of the Dominican Republic / Self-Drive Tour - Map

The Natural Beauty of the Dominican Republic / Self-Drive Tour

Discover the most beautiful places of the Dominican Republic, that most tourists are not aware of, on this round trip that takes all around the country. Discover gorgeous beaches, beautiful bays, crystal clear lagoons and lush green tropical landscapes. The trip will take you along palm-lined coastal roads and through many small villages, where you will get an authentic insight into the daily life of Dominicans. One of the highlights of this trip is a two-day excursion to the remote and completely untouched national park "Los Haitises".

15 Days / 14 Nights
from 2,895 USD per person in double occupancy

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Self-Drive Tour with Dominican Expert

A self-drive tour with a rental car in the Dominican Republic is the perfect way to explore the island independently and flexibly. You can expect secluded locations off the beaten track, and mostly unknown insider tips that remain hidden from most tourists. The Dominican Republic offers a well-developed road network and with Google Maps you can easily find your way around the entire island. In addition, we offer 24/7 English-speaking support and a service package so that our clients can start their trip well equipped and informed.

On request, all rental car tours can also be organized with a local private driver or (English-speaking) driver-guide.

Maximum customer service

All clients who book a rental car tour with DOMINICAN EXPERT receive useful information about the history, culture, geography, customs and rules of the Dominican Republic upon arrival.

Also included is a local SIM card with unlimited calls, a road map and a welcome bag filled with local, handmade products and helpful amenities for the trip. Afterwards, customers receive a personalized travel guide as a WhatsApp message for their onward journey, with many Google Locations and personal recommendations on places worth seeing, insider tips, restaurants, etc. Via WhatsApp we are always available and reachable for you in English.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Santo Domingo

Day 1: Welcome to Santo Domingo

Your personal driver will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign that has your name on it and will take you comfortably and safely to your hotel in the heart of Santo Domingo’s colonial zone.

The evening is at your free disposal. We recommend a visit to the Plaza de España, where you can choose between several excellent restaurants. Enjoy your dinner overlooking the house of Christopher Columbus’ son and soak up the cheerful and lively atmosphere.

  • Meals: None
  • Standard Accommodation: Luca Hotel
  • Premium Accommodation: Billini Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Santo Domingo

Day 2: Santo Domingo

The capital of the Dominican Republic combines modernity with an emerging economy and the historical center of the city, the “Zona Colonial” making this a very special place. During a private two-hour guided tour through the “Zona Colonial”, you will follow the footsteps of Columbus and will (among other things) see the oldest cathedral of the New World, castles, ruins and the residence of Columbus´s son, Don Diego. You will also visit a cigar manufacturer, where you can see the production of the popular Dominican cigars.

Afterwards we will inform you about your round trip during a tropical welcome drink in our office in the Zona Colonial.

After lunch you can independently explore the romantic alleys of the Zona Colonial or the “Malecon”, the sea promenade. Or you can take a taxi to get to know other places outside the old town of Santo Domingo. One of the options would be to visit the fascinating “Los Tres Ojos” (Three Eyes), which is part of a collapsed cave system.
The evening will be available for you to explore the vibrant nightlife of Santo Domingo.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Luca Hotel
  • Premium Accommodation: Billini Boutique Hotel
Day 3: Mountainous inland

Day 3: Mountainous inland

Your round trip begins and takes you past cocoa, coffee, banana, rice and tobacco plantations. Enjoy the ride through the beautiful mountains that reach an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. It is worth stopping along the way to visit a famous tobacco factory and plantation. The afternoon is at your disposal to explore the surrounding area.

  • Distance: Approx. 95 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Gran Jimenia Standard Room
  • Premium Accommodation: Gran Jimenoa Deluxe River View Room
Day 4: Jarabacoa & Punta Rucia

Day 4: Jarabacoa & Punta Rucia

After breakfast you will go on an excursion. You can choose between an exciting river rafting tour, a hike to two waterfalls, a paragliding flight to get a bird’s eye view of the area, or a visit to a coffee factory including a tasting of the organic coffee. Then it’s on to the next destination: the idyllic fishing village of Punta Rucia far up north.

  • Distance: Approx. 95 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Corales
  • Premium Accommodation: Punta Rucia Lodge
Day 5: Cayo Arena & Puerto Plata

Day 5: Cayo Arena & Puerto Plata

In the morning a fishing boat is ready to take you to a small sandbank with an area of only 200m2 of white sand. However, the greatest natural spectacle takes place underwater, where the coral reefs attract a variety of colorful fish. After that, the trip continues to Cabarete, a paradise for water sports lovers. On the way you can visit the historic fortress of San Felipe in Puerto Plata.

  • Distance: Approx. 70 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Velero Beach Resort
  • Premium Accommodation: Natura Cabanas 
Day 6: Cabarete

Day 6: Cabarete

Today is free to discover and enjoy the water sports paradise of Cabarete: From the long village beach with many stores and cafés to surfing tours, canyoning adventures and excursions in the surrounding area, there is everything an adventurer’s heart desires!

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Velero Beach Resort
  • Premium Accommodation: Natura Cabanas 
Day 7: Cabrera & surrounding areas

Day 7: Cabrera & surrounding areas

Today’s program includes a drive along the north coast to Cabrera. The varied, lush landscape includes rivers, banana plantations, rice fields and an impressive coastline. Stop at your leisure at pristine beaches for swimming and a typical Dominican lunch, as well as at crystal clear lagoons for some refreshment.

  • Distance: Approx. 45 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Catalina Tropical Lodge
  • Premium Accommodation: Catalina Tropical Lodge
Day 8: National park Los Haitises

Day 8: National park Los Haitises

Today the journey continues to the peninsula of Samaná, where you will leave the car and be taken by boat across the bay to a paradisiacal eco-lodge nestled into beautiful surroundings within the Los Haitises National Park.

  • Distance: Approx. 70 mi
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Standard Accommodation: Altos Cano Hondo 
  • Premium Accommodation: Paraios Cano Hondo
Day 9: Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado

Day 9: Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado

After breakfast, you will explore Los Haitises National Park by boat. You will sail through deserted islands, bays and rock formations and visit two caves where paintings and carvings of the indigenous Taino people can be found. Afterwards, your boat will take you to the paradisiacal “Bacardi Island” Cayo Levantado, where a Dominican lunch will be served. From there it’s back to the port and from there on to Las Terrenas.

  • Distance: Approx. 25 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Standard Accommodation: Aligio Aparthotel & Spa
  • Premium Accommodation: Sublime Samana
Days 10-14: Las Terrenas

Days 10-14: Las Terrenas

At this wonderful spot you will spend your last days of vacation. Relax and enjoy the Caribbean flair of this beautiful island, which presents itself from its best side here in Las Terrenas. For adventurers who would like to see more of the area, the peninsula of Samaná offers plenty of options, which we will be happy to tell you more about.

  • Meals: Breakfast 
  • Standard Accommodation: Aligio Aparthotel & Spa
  • Premium Accommodation: Sublime Samana
Day 15: Back to Santo Domingo

Day 15: Back to Santo Domingo

Return to Santo Domingo via a well-maintained highway. On the way you can stop at the hidden waterfall Salto Socoa and mingle with the Dominicans. Depending on the itinerary, drop off the rental car at the airport or individual extension on request.

  • Distance: Approx. 85 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
Optional travel extension

Optional travel extension

On request we will be happy to arrange an individual travel extension or a complete package from arrival at the airport! Please contact us.

Gallery

Included Services

  • 14 nights in double room with bath or shower/toilet
  • Meals according to itinerary
  • Airport transfer on day 1
  • 13 days rental car:
    – Rental car type Hyundai Cantus or similar (higher categories on request)
    – Pick-up & drop-off: Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
    – Unlimited mileage
    – Air condition
    – Comprehensive insurance with 0% deductible, theft insurance, glass & tire damages
  • Private tour of the colonial zone
  • Activity of choice in Jarabacoa
  • Boat excursion to Cayo Arena incl. snorkeling
  • Boat excursion to the Los Haitises national park, incl. Cayo Levantado
  • Service package from Dominican Expert
  • Applicable local taxes

Not Included Services

  • Entrance fees for self-booked excursions
  • Fuel & tolls
  • Personal expenses & extras in hotels
  • Additional meals & drinks

Notes

If you wish, the last place of stay of Las Terrenas can be replaced by a quiet beach hotel in the peaceful and idyllic fishing village of Las Galeras.

Other Round-Trips that might be interesting for you

Inspiration and Information

Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)
Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)
Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)